It's no secret that expenses skyrocket once kids enter the picture. Everyone with a family looks for ways to save money. Gary Mulloy, CEO of Money Mailer, a national coupon mailing service, has some advice on how families can cut expenses by using coupons for these common family and household purchases.

Pizza and Restaurants: It's tempting to skip eating out or ordering-in at all to save money. But, let's face it, sometimes you just don't have the energy to cook and clean up. Other times, eating out is a nice family treat. Pizza is not just a kid-favorite, but one of the most-couponed foods. Common coupons include “Buy one pizza, get one free” or BOGO. Restaurants also often offer services like buy one entrée, get one free. Also look for kids eat free specials, which are usually offered during the week.

Dry Cleaning: While you may mostly live in jeans and t-shirts, dry cleaning is a common and necessary service for most Americans when it comes to work clothes, dressy items, and items that are hard to wash at home, like winter coats and comforters. Using coupons makes it easy to find offers of up to 30 or 40% off dry cleaning services.

Car Wash: Even if you try to keep your car clean yourself, most families need some help from the pros at least seasonally. Keeping your car clean is a good investment since can extend the life of your paint job. So it makes sense to make the most of the coupons available. Common offers include $6 Platinum Wash or Buy 5 Car Washes, Get the 6th FREE!

Nail Salons: Trying out a new nail salon can be a risk, especially if you’ve got a budding relationship with a technician. Take advantage of coupons for combo services, like a manicure and pedicure, for a discounted price. Ask about loyalty programs at your preferred salon as well to see if you can earn free services in the future for being loyal.

Oil Change: Preventative maintenance is important to keep your car running smoothly. Oil change coupons are very common. Make sure to pick one up before heading into your service center! Typically, you can get a standard oil change for $19.99 or $10 Off Synthetic Oil Change. Some stations also offer discounts if you buy a package deal.

Jamie is a Beltway Insider who loves channeling her pre-motherhood love of traveling into spending time exploring all D.C. has to offer with her brood of two girls and two boys ages 9, 7,5, and a baby. She is a reformed lawyer turned full-time kid wrangler who enjoys photographing her everyday chaos and anything salted caramel. Since life is never dull, she loves writing about the issues and events going on in her life at any given time, including caring for a daughter with special needs and th ... More

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